GM China Introduces Plate-Scanning App For Driver-To-Driver Texting

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Ever been cut-off by a driver and wanted to let them know exactly how you feel without the need for a PIT bumper? Did you happen to see someone attractive pass you by, but didn’t want to be as obvious as Clark Griswold about it? If you’re in China, General Motors is about to make that dream come true in the creepiest way possible.

ComputerWorld reports GM China R&D director John Du introduced an Android app called DiDi Plate before attendees at this year’s Telematics Detroit 2014. The app uses an Android smartphone’s camera to snap a photo of a license plate, which then uploads the info gathered into the cloud so that the driver can then connect with the other driver via cell.

The creeper part? Du explains it best:

Even if the other driver didn’t register this app, you can still give them greetings and comments.

Du added that the app can also be used with Google Glass, allowing the driver to simply look at a license plate to find the other’s personal online profile prior to arranging a date, telling them to move their car so the driver can get out, or telling them off as far as their driving skills are concerned.

However, GM would like DiDi Plate to be embedded in a connected-vehicle environment rather than reside on the driver’s smartphone of choice; thus, the app may not make it out of the prototype phase in time to warn the car ahead that they missed the stop sign, among other, more personal actions.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jun 18, 2014

    This is just nearly mind-boggling as to how BAD of an idea it is, and also a huge invasion of privacy. Increased incidents of road rage, sexual harassment, crashes while trying to get a photo, the list goes on and on.

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    • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jun 18, 2014

      @bigtruckseriesreview @ Youtube Closest I've been to there was when I lived in S. Korea, which has more privacy than the US IMO, because the government is slower to act on anything new.

  • Felis Concolor Felis Concolor on Jun 18, 2014

    First the rolling internet is enabled, and now pushbutton cyberstalking: sweet!

  • Superdessucke Superdessucke on Jun 18, 2014

    LOL!!

  • Raresleeper Raresleeper on Jun 18, 2014

    There's at least a million or more creeps right now smiling at this as it makes headlines over in China. As far as me letting drivers have it, I just roll up next to them and tell them. It's generally effective. I saw a guy one time just ridin' the rim (blown tire which had effectively turned to shreds, then just completely came off the wheel altogether). I followed the guy's car for a good couple of miles (unintended, on my way to work) until I finally noticed where all that noise was coming from. It was a Lexus ES. And the guy looked completely shocked that I was telling him what I did. I mostly just called him stupid, an idiot, and all kinds of other rude things and let him know that there wasn't any tire on his front driver's side wheel. He didn't say sh*t. Just looked at me like he'd seen a ghost. Betcha he just kept on driving. Lol But by the way, I do love giving beautiful women driving the 5 second stare. If I get a smile, the charm's workin'. (Confuscious say: a man that is married can still look.)

    • See 2 previous
    • Old Man Pants Old Man Pants on Jun 18, 2014

      @Hillman "I guess I am an odd person for helping people when I can." That's permissible so long as you let them know they share the blame for needing that help, particularly if they've been in an accident. Especially if they claim "it wasn't my fault". Because you and Jesus know better.

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